When Dad's Away...

On Brent's recent out of town trip, we went to Grammy and Granddad's for a few days. The weather was cool, allowing us to do many things outside that are usually not possible in late July.

A boy and his horse

Why not try to get a little closer?!


The artist at work

An overnight rain made the creek a perfect place for morning play.

Notice his shirt- "100% good 10% of the time"

Cousins

Watching prairie dogs with a mouth full of cracker.


Wichita Mountain Wildlife Refuge

Picture # 1,056 On A Zoo Statue

Lucas- 18 months

UPDATED: Finally had the 18 month dr. appt today. Stats- weight: 26 lbs, 4 oz. (hasn't gained weight since 15 mo. appt); height: 34 1/2 inches

Tubes are still in and clear. Yeah! Cross your fingers they make it through another winter.
Lucas @ 18 months:

- imitates any animal sound

- recognizes airplanes in the sky

- makes a noise like a siren when he hears it (and, oddly, we hear them often here)

- says "Lillian", "sister", "meow-meow" for cat, and many other words we can't distinguish yet!

- blankie went bye-bye forever and he never missed it

- wears 24 month clothes, size 6 shoe

- can stay up later at night without having a meltdown; this is especially nice when we have an evening activity

- naps are 2 hours to the minute!

- has a pair of faux crocs he can put on himself

- loves, and I mean LOVES, the water! He has a "puddle-jumper" that lets him swim unassisted without going underwater.



*height and weight will be added when I finally get around to making an 18 month appointment!*

Wedding Weekend

Wedding festivities began Friday with a bridal luncheon I hosted at Inspirations Tea Room.

The bride, Heather, and Lillian, the flower girl

I love these paper lanterns! I'm thinking about hanging some in Lillian's room. What a fun room to have lunch!

Wedding Day!

No photos of the bride and groom together. Professional photos will be available soon.

Congratulations Heather and Jesse!

What Fun A Box Will Bring!

Garden Dirt

The garden is winding down for the summer season and we are making plans for fall crops. 3 factors contributed to the quick decline of our produce- heat, deer, and Lucas. The boy couldn't resist picking green tomatoes! This is the first year deer have been a problem and they have been a big one! Blackberry bushes are stripped and okra eaten at the first sign of pods. All in all, it has been a good season. The onions and squash are plentiful. Potatoes and carrots will provide enough to last through fall. Peppers are still producing and Brent planted another row of beans. Tomatoes have many blooms but are ripening slowly.

A Wicked Weekend

This weekend, my mom treated all the girls in our family to the musical, "Wicked", and a memorable time in Tulsa.

My SIL, Lindsey, greeted us with this display in her house.

The girls on our way to dinner at Tucci before the show.

Enjoying the show!

Zoo Adventure

Last Friday's weather was so great that we had to make a zoo trip!

(Yes, Lillian chose her own hair accessory!)

Lucas was a patient wagon rider.

The cooler temps brought out animals we usually don't see.

Lucas Stands Alone

He found his own way to beat the heat!

Umbrellas Are For More Than a Rainy Day

Lillian convinced Lucas to seek shelter from the sprinkler. They laughed every time the water hit the umbrella.

Giveaway!

Awesome bracelet for giveaway at Bloggin it from the Burbs! I loved it and I think you will, too! There are lots of ways to enter and the contest is open until Monday.

Today

3 college roomates + 7 kids age 5 and under = 1 crazy day!

Kaden and Carter from Lawton; Carsten, Cohen, and Teegin from Chickasha; and Lillian and Lucas

The big kids

Carter liked nakedness and trains


Peace, love, and popsicles

The kids swam, played outside, ate, swam, fought, played inside, ate popsicles, fought, peed outside, swam, played with the dog, ate, and, finally, slept.

Great day with great friends!

Still Trying...

I decided to try my hand at photography for Lucas' 18 month pictures. We've had 2 photo sessions in the park and this is the best I could get. Seriously, it should not be that hard! With the help of Photoshop, I removed sweat drops, food from around the mouth, and a red mark on his lips.

Brent asked if Photoshop could comb his hair and add a smile. Uh.... no, honey, but I wish it could!

Last step- send for printing. If this works out okay, I might do this for Lillian's 6 year pictures. Sure beats having too many choices at Portrait Innovations!